Man Arrested for Shooting Near Salt Lake Apartment

Jonny Barajas Leon, 20, faces charges after admitting to firing several rounds near apartment building

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A 20-year-old man named Jonny Barajas Leon was arrested in Salt Lake City after he reportedly admitted to shooting four to five rounds into the air next to an apartment building. Several witnesses said they saw Leon take out a firearm and shoot following a verbal altercation.

Why it matters

Discharging firearms in residential areas raises serious public safety concerns, especially in light of recent gun violence incidents across the country. This arrest highlights the need for continued efforts to address gun crime and ensure the security of local communities.

The details

According to the police affidavit, officers with the Unified Police Department responded to a report of the shooting just before 11:30 pm on Tuesday. Five individual witnesses said they saw Leon take out a firearm while walking away from a verbal altercation and fire four to five rounds into the air next to their apartment building. Leon eventually admitted to the incident.

  • The incident occurred just before 11:30 pm on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.

The players

Jonny Barajas Leon

A 20-year-old man who was arrested and charged with aggravated assault and improper discharge of a dangerous weapon.

Unified Police Department

The law enforcement agency that responded to the reported shooting and arrested Jonny Barajas Leon.

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What’s next

Leon was arrested and booked into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail. The judge will determine whether to grant him bail at a future hearing.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the need for continued vigilance and action to address gun violence in residential areas and ensure the safety of local communities.